An estimate of Eros's porosity and implications for internal structure

Earth-based spectral measurements and NEAR Shoemaker magnetometer, X-ray, and near-infrared spectrometer data are all consistent with Eros having a bulk composition and mineralogy similar to ordinary chondrite meteorites (OC). By comparing the bulk density of 433 Eros (2.67 +/- 0.03 g/cm(3)) with that of OCs (3.40 g/cm(3)), We estimate the total porosity of the asteroid to be 21-33%. Macro (or structural) porosity, best estimated to be similar to20%, is constrained to be between 6 and 33%. We conclude that Eros is a heavily fractured body, but we find no evidence that it was ever catastrophically disrupted and reaccumulated into a rubble pile. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science (USA).